1 09@C:26 (26) Given the effect of the exceptions on the development of the internal market for electronic communications services, the Commission should be able to harmonise the scope and nature of any exceptions to the principles of technology and service neutrality other than those aimed at ensuring the promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity and media pluralism, having regard to harmonised technical conditions for the availability and efficient use of radio frequencies under Decision No 676/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy in the European Community (“Radio Spectrum Decision”) (OJ L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 1.).
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0 08 Article 8 − Policy objectives and regulatory principles
2 0811 1. Member States shall ensure that in carrying out the regulatory tasks specified in this Directive and the Specific Directives, the national regulatory authorities take all reasonable measures which are aimed at achieving the objectives set out in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4. Such measures shall be proportionate to those objectives.
2 0812 Unless otherwise provided in Article 9 regarding radio frequencies, Member States shall take the utmost account of the desirability of making regulations technologically neutral and shall ensure that, in carrying out the regulatory tasks specified in this Directive and the Specific Directives, in particular those designed to ensure effective competition, national regulatory authorities do likewise.
2 0813 National regulatory authorities may contribute within their competencies to ensuring the implementation of policies aimed at the promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as media pluralism.
2 082 2. The national regulatory authorities shall promote competition in the provision of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services and associated facilities and services by inter alia:
2 082a (a) ensuring that users, including disabled users, elderly users, and users with special social needs derive maximum benefit in terms of choice, price, and quality;
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2 082d (d) encouraging efficient use and ensuring the effective management of radio frequencies and numbering resources.
2 083 3. The national regulatory authorities shall contribute to the development of the internal market by inter alia:
2 083a (a) removing remaining obstacles to the provision of electronic communications networks, associated facilities and services and electronic communications services at European level;
2 083b (b) encouraging the establishment and development of trans-European networks and the interoperability of pan-European services, and end-to-end connectivity;
2 083c (c) ensuring that, in similar circumstances, there is no discrimination in the treatment of undertakings providing electronic communications networks and services;
2 083d (d) working with the Commission and the Authority so as to ensure the development of consistent regulatory practice and the consistent application of this Directive and the Specific Directives.
2 084 4. The national regulatory authorities shall promote the interests of the citizens of the European Union by inter alia:
2 084a (a) ensuring all citizens have access to a universal service specified in Directive 2002/22/EC (Universal Service Directive);
2 084b (b) ensuring a high level of protection for consumers in their dealings with suppliers, in particular by ensuring the availability of simple and inexpensive dispute resolution procedures carried out by a body that is independent of the parties involved;
2 084c (c) contributing to ensuring a high level of protection of personal data and privacy;
2 084d (d) promoting the provision of clear information, in particular requiring transparency of tariffs and conditions for using publicly available electronic communications services;
2 084e (e) addressing the needs of specific social groups, in particular disabled users, elderly users and users with special social needs;
2 084f (f) ensuring that the integrity and security of public communications networks are maintained; and
2 084g (g) applying the principle that end-users should be able to access and distribute any lawful content and use any lawful applications and/or services of their choice.
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0 09 Article 9 − Management of radio frequencies for electronic communications services
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2 092 2. Member States shall promote the harmonisation of use of radio frequencies across the Community, consistent with the need to ensure effective and efficient use thereof and in accordance with Decision No 676/2002/EC (Radio Spectrum Decision).
2 0931 3. Unless otherwise provided in the second subparagraph or in the measures adopted pursuant to Article 9c, Member States shall ensure that all types of radio network or wireless access technology may be used in the radio frequency bands open to electronic communications services.
2 0932 Member States may, however, provide for proportionate and non-discriminatory restrictions to the types of radio network or wireless access technology used where this is necessary to:
2 0932a (a) avoid harmful interference,
2 0932b (b) protect public health against electromagnetic fields,
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2 0932c (c) ensure maximisation of radio frequencies sharing where the use of frequencies is subject to a general authorisation, or
2 0932d (d) comply with a restriction in accordance with paragraph 4 below.
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2 096 6. Paragraphs 3 and 4 shall apply to allocation and assignment of radio frequencies after 31 December 2009.

0 09@C Article 9c − Radio Frequency Management Harmonisation Measures
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